leukemia inhibitory factor

Leukemia inhibitory factor is a pleiotropic cytokine of the interleukin-6 family that signals via a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the LIF receptor (LIFR) and gp130 to activate JAK/STAT (notably STAT3), MAPK/ERK, and PI3K pathways, regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, stem cell maintenance, implantation, immunity, and inflammation.[1][3][5] It was initially identified for inducing terminal differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, thereby inhibiting their proliferation, and later found to maintain mouse embryonic stem cell pluripotency in vitro; recombinant LIF is widely used in stem cell culture.[1][3][5] Therapeutically, LIF is being explored both as a recombinant cytokine for tissue protection/regeneration and immunomodulation and as a target in oncology where LIF can be oncogenic in solid tumors; approaches include LIF-neutralizing antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors that block LIF–LIFR binding.[2]

Brand names

ESGRO

Other names

leukemia inhibitory factor 1LIF proteininterleukin-6 family cytokineinterleukin6 family cytokineinterleukin 6 family cytokinedifferentiation inhibiting activityHILDACNDFMLPLIHSF